From Jakarta to the Vatican, Indonesia Remembers Pope Francis’ Moral Legacy
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JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesia’s top political and religious leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, paying tribute to the late pontiff’s global legacy of peace, humility, and interfaith unity. From the President and Vice President to leaders of major Islamic organizations and parliament, voices across the nation recalled the Pope’s compassion and moral leadership as a guiding light for humanity.
President Prabowo Subianto led the nation’s tribute, calling Pope Francis a “global role model committed to peace, humanity, and fraternity.” In his official statement, aired through the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel, Prabowo recalled the Pope’s visit to Jakarta in September 2024, describing it as a moment that touched not only the Catholic faithful but also the wider Indonesian population. “His messages of simplicity, compassion for the poor, and interfaith concern will remain a beacon for us all,” the President said.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the first Latin American to assume the papacy in 2013. He is remembered for his progressive voice on global challenges such as climate change, refugee rights, poverty alleviation, and interreligious dialogue. His final public appearance was at Saint Peter’s Square during Easter celebrations, just one day before his passing following complications from chronic bronchitis.
Pope Francis made a historic visit to Indonesia from September 3 to 6, 2024, marking his first and only trip to the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The visit was widely celebrated as a milestone in interfaith diplomacy, showcasing Indonesia’s pluralistic identity and its commitment to religious tolerance. Welcomed with deep reverence by leaders across faiths and thousands of citizens, Pope Francis delivered a message of unity and peace during appearances at key religious and civic venues, including the Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque—the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
His meeting with prominent Islamic scholars, Christian leaders, and interfaith youth underscored his enduring mission to build bridges between religions. The Pope's warm and humble demeanor left a deep emotional impression on Indonesians, transcending religious lines and reaffirming the nation's aspiration to live in harmony amid diversity.
The impact of Pope Francis’ visit extended well beyond ceremonial moments—it laid the groundwork for long-term interfaith collaboration between Indonesia and the Holy See. His message of unity was not only warmly received but also formalized through key initiatives, including the Istiqlal Declaration, a landmark statement on interfaith peace.
This declaration was jointly announced by Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar, Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, during the Pope’s 2024 visit. Reflecting on their shared commitment, Nasaruddin described the Pope as “a dear friend whose deeds and friendship we shall never forget.” He emphasized that the Pope’s presence and moral leadership have become a cornerstone for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two faith communities.
Chairperson of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, Haedar Nashir, also extended his sympathies, praising the Pope’s inclusive and humanist stance. “He was not only a religious figure but a peacemaker on the global stage,” Haedar said. He recalled their 2024 audience with the Pope in the Vatican as recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, a prize the Pope himself received jointly with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb. “His humility and warmth left a lasting impression on us,” Haedar added.
Minister of Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno highlighted the Pope’s role in nurturing global interfaith harmony. “He was a compassionate leader whose legacy will continue to inspire dialogue across religions,” Pratikno stated. The minister underlined how Pope Francis’ teachings transcend Catholicism and resonate with the broader human community, including Indonesia’s pluralistic society.
Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani remembered her recent encounter with the Pope at the World Leaders Summit on Children’s Rights held at the Vatican in February 2025. Invited alongside former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, she shared how despite his frail health, Pope Francis warmly received them, underscoring his respect for Indonesia. “He called Indonesians beautiful people,” she recounted. As a gesture of cultural diplomacy, Puan presented the Pope with a traditional batik ‘wayang’ shirt, while Megawati gifted a painting of the Virgin Mary in Javanese attire.
Megawati, in her own letter of condolence addressed to the Vatican’s envoy in Jakarta, wrote, “The world has lost not just a religious leader, but a moral compass.” She recalled the Pope’s trust in her as a juror for the Zayed Award and her appointment as President of Scholas Occurrentes Indonesia and Asia, a foundation promoting social inclusion through education. “His memory and teachings will live on in our hearts,” she wrote.
Kardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of public sympathy. “Pope Francis was not a man of power, but a leader through example,” he said during a press conference at Jakarta Cathedral. He also announced a Requiem Mass to be held on Thursday, April 24, and urged all parishes to organize prayers in remembrance.
As Indonesia mourns, Pope Francis is remembered as a spiritual guide who bridged continents, faiths, and social classes. His final visit to Indonesia, filled with symbolic gestures and messages of unity, has etched him deeply in the nation’s collective memory.